Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I also welcome the delegation and our visitors.

This week's meeting of the European Council comes at an important time for many reasons. The institutions are renewing themselves and now leaders have an opportunity this week to set the direction of the EU for the years ahead. The Taoiseach has already outlined his expectations for the discussions on the implementation of the strategic agenda, the MFF, climate action and Brexit. I will focus on foreign policy issues and enlargement.

As the Taoiseach stated earlier, as the Tánaiste stated on Monday and as I stated yesterday, Ireland stands in full solidarity with Cyprus in light of illegal Turkish drilling activities in the eastern Mediterranean and recent Turkish statements and actions on Varosha. We deeply regret that Turkey has failed to refrain from its illegal activities in the Cypriot exclusive economic zone.

On Monday of this week, the Foreign Affairs Council agreed that a framework regime of restrictive measures targeting persons involved in illegal drilling activity be put in place.

The Foreign Affairs Council and the Tánaiste also unanimously condemned Turkey's military action in north eastern Syria and agreed to halt arms exports to Turkey. Turkey's actions in Syria undermine the stability of the region. This will result in more civilians suffering and will make prospects for the UN-led peace process in Syria much more difficult. It also undermines progress made in the international fight against ISIS. Ireland stands united with our EU partners in urging Turkey to cease unilateral military action and withdraw its forces from Syria. Respect for international humanitarian law and unhindered humanitarian access are also vital. Leaders will hold further discussions on Turkish activities at their meeting this week, where the Taoiseach will reiterate these points.

In terms of enlargement, as Minister of State with responsibility for European affairs, I attended yesterday's meeting of the General Affairs Council in Luxembourg where we discussed enlargement and stabilisation in the region. The focus of our discussions was whether to open accession negotiations with the Republic of North Macedonia and Albania. Last May, the European Commission published its annual enlargement package and recommended opening accession negotiations with North Macedonia and Albania. We discussed this matter at the meeting of the General Affairs Council in June but in light of the limited time available to examine the country reports, and the importance of the matter, it was decided to delay this decision until no later than October. Unfortunately, our discussions at the General Affairs Council were inconclusive and this means leaders will take up the matter at the European Council. I am extremely disappointed with the outcome. Ireland's view has not changed since we discussed this in June. As I reported to the House following that debate which took place on 20 to 21 June, Ireland welcomes the Commission's findings, including the recommendations to open accession negotiations with the Republic of North Macedonia and Albania. We believe the reforms they have made and which we asked them to make should be recognised. In North Macedonia they have not only made significant reforms but those combined with the signing and ratification of what was an historic Prespa Agreement need to be recognised.

While the situation in Albania is much more complex, despite the polarised political situation, it has made progress across all chapter areas. In particular, it has made comprehensive justice reforms, again, a significant achievement which deserves to be acknowledged. I believe opening negotiations would be the right thing to do. We have concerns that if a decision is not taken to open these negotiations, it could have far-reaching and long-lasting negative political effects within the region. Currently, it places an onus on us to fulfil the commitments we have made. There is the potential to undermine our credibility, not only within the EU but further afield.

Looking towards tomorrow's European Council meeting, it is important leaders give a very clear, strong and substantive signal but make a decision on the next stage of the process as promised in the June conclusions. I sincerely hope we can send positive signals to both member states.

I thank Deputies for their attention and look forward to following on these discussions and answering questions further to the European Council meeting, which will take place tomorrow and Friday.

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